Small image of a man handing a book to a women across a counter.

At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Frederick Wicks

Author: Frederick Wicks (1840–1910)

Biography: Frederick Wicks was born on 23 February 1840 in Stockwell, Surrey, the son of brewer Samuel Wicks. He was privately educated, attended some courses at King's College, Cambridge, but did not matriculate. He taught himself shorthand and his proficiency led him to a career in journalism beginning with the Cambria Daily Leader. He later worked on the editorical staff of the Globe and the gallery staff of the Times. In 1873, he moved to Scotland to establish the Glasgow News. Simultaneously, he invented a rotary type-casting machine—the three purchased by the Times could produce a new fount every day. Remarkably, he found time to write books including one on the British Constitution and several novels. At least one reviewer found his novels somewhat old-fashioned. He died on 1 April 1910 at his home in Hersham, Surrey. A rather accomplished man who contributed to all facets of the press.

Author Tags:

References: Pitman's Journal (23 April 1910); Who's Who (1907)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Golden Lives: The Story of a Woman's Courage.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Blackwood, 1891.
  2. The Veiled Hand: A Novel of the Sixties, the Seventies, and the Eighties.  1 vol.  London: Remington, 1892.
  3. The Stories of the Broadmoor Patient: and The Poor Clerk.  1 vol.  London: Remington, 1893.
  4. The Infant: A Novel.  1 vol.  London: Remington, 1895.